Library Portraits Project: Potrero Branch

As part of my Life List, I’m photographing all the public libraries in San Francisco.

Right now, the California Library Association is trying to restore $15.2 million in State funding in hopes of preventing the loss of $16 million in Federal funding. I know how much all of us love books, so please take a minute to write a letter or two in support of restoring funding. All the information you need is here. Let’s do this thing.

16 Responses to “Library Portraits Project: Potrero Branch”

I love this project! Wherever I go, I always have to check out the local library. I loved them as a kid and fell back in love when I worked at my local library for 3 summers in a row during university.

Megan Says:

Thank you again for bringing attention to the issue of library budget cuts. What would be lost is devastating. You’re helping to make a real difference on this issue. As always, thanks for using your power for good.

Apropos of nothing immediate, but I’ve always remembered your brief and fun Champagne and Chocolate Wednesdays series, and therefore I wanted to share the following: Have you heard of Madecasse chocolate? They make some of the finest chocolate in the world, and it’s produced bean-to-bar in MADAGASCAR. Each bar has 4x the impact of fair-trade cocoa because most of the profits go back into the local economy to keep the manufacturing line going. Also, you know, it, like, saves the animals. And the packaging is adorable. And on top of all that, the chocolate is DELICIOUS. Thought you should know.

I’m totally doing this same thing, but for the public libraries on Oahu. Also, I’m not that great at taking photos so the photos started looking the same after a while. Hah! It’s a great excuse to visit libraries though and a good way to explore different parts of the island. My friend and I have been having tons of fun. 14 down, 10 more to go: http://notbyreason.blogspot.com/search/label/library%20project

Oh. My. GOD! Do all libraries in San Francisco look like that? I can’t believe it. Other than the 42nd Street main branch, I don’t think there is an NYC library that even comes close to this. I LOVE libraries, but it is hard not to be depressed by my local offerings. I’m glad to know the situation is better in other cities…

willow Says:

There are many great libraries in San Francisco, but this one is my favorite. It’s peaceful and cheerful, and the librarians are always friendly.

I love that you’re doing this! I recently posted a photo tour of the gorgeous public library we have here in Boston, not sure if you’ve ever been inside? The place just oozes with whimsy. Posting my link below; if you’re ever in Copley Square, you should totally pop in! Love your blog, Maggie. :)

My lovely SF friends took me to the Potrero branch this year, and I do agree it’s a gorgeous, gorgeous, library.

However — as a librarian, I was actually getting claustrophobic about how little space there was on the end of each shelf for new additions. 10 new books in a section means that entire building’s shelves have to be shifted at the same time. Librarian. Worst. Nightmare.